The panoramic sunroof on my 2004 MCS is sticking/juddering/having a hell of a time closing in particular.

It was a bit reluctant when I bought the car a week ago, so I smeared some multipurpose lithium grease on what I assumed to be the guiding tracks. That made it worse - loud and unpleasant juddering, and very slow to open/close - real strain on the motor.

Checked the messages here and it seems people have used white lithium grease, so I got some of that in a spray can. Just sprayed that arefully along the tracks and it doesn't seem any better - if anything, worse on closing, but a little better opening. I have to push up on the roof to get it to close, or the safety auto open mechanism kicks in.

I'm not sure I've correctly identified the bits that need lubricating - can anyone help?! I think I've only got a couple of tries left before the motor packs up...

Ive had this same problem. Its simply "dried out". Lubrication will only be a temp. fix.
My BMW dealer replaced the sunroof for free, although my warranty is waaay over due. So MINI is aware of this problem, and are replacing on extended warranty.

Ive had this same problem. Its simply "dried out". Lubrication will only be a temp. fix.
My BMW dealer replaced the sunroof for free, although my warranty is waaay over due. So MINI is aware of this problem, and are replacing on extended warranty.

Many thanks - that's good to know. I've just bought an extended warranty but the sunroof mechanism isn't covered.

There are two tracks on each side, all you have to do is look at the sunroof to see where it rides in them. The problem you are having sounds like poor lubrication to me. I use a low temp grease like that for garage door openers and apply it with a Q-tip. I had this problem and the grease on it once a year solves the problem.

Mine did this and was really struggling to close. I know its not ideal, but i sprayed some WD40 on the runners and it instantly closed nice and smoothly. People say this isn't the stuff to use and grease is probably better but as a temporary fix it worked fine.

There are two tracks on each side, all you have to do is look at the sunroof to see where it rides in them. The problem you are having sounds like poor lubrication to me. I use a low temp grease like that for garage door openers and apply it with a Q-tip. I had this problem and the grease on it once a year solves the problem.